Yukon Ski Team member Graham Nishikawa took the bronze in the first day of competition at the U.S. National Cross Country Championships, being held this week in Fairbanks Alaska.

Skiing a 10-km classic technique race, Nishikawa was only 11 seconds out of first place, taken by James Southam of Alaska, who picked up the win with a clocking of 28:56.

Another Canadian, Stefan Kuhn of Canmore, picked up the silver.

Races are being held at Fairbanks' Birch Hill ski area. Next up is a team sprint race.

Article provided by Claude Chabot, spokesman for Cross Country Yukon.